232. Impulse Control vs Distress Tolerance | Which Skill Matters More?
About this episode
Dr. Caroline discusses the importance of self-monitoring in managing impulse control and distress tolerance in children.
Self-monitoring is the skill that quietly changes everything: focus, impulse control, distress tolerance, and even conflict at home and school. In this Overpowering Emotions episode, Dr. Caroline teaches educators, parents, and mental health professionals how to build self-monitoring as a trainable skill —not a sticker chart, not a punishment, and not a “catch them when they’re already melting down” plan. You’ll learn how to start with behaviours kids already know (think: a task they can do on autopilot), set a clear target using Dr. Caroline’s SOAP criteria , create a simple tracking system, and use cues like timers or classroom chimes to help kids “pause and check.” You’ll also hear how to reinforce the right thing early on: accurate awareness , even when the child wasn’t on task. If you support kids with ADHD, anxiety, big feelings, classroom disruptions, or sibling conflict, this episode gives you practical language, ready-to-use examples, and a step-by-step way to grow independence—without nagging, shame, or power struggles. Homework activities for adults (plus resources to prep) Homework A: Pick the “easy win” target Choose a behaviour during a task the child already knows…
More episodes of Overpowering Emotions: Tools for Child & Teen Anxiety and Resilience
- 239. Why does trying to fix negative thoughts make them stronger?
- 238 Are You Solving Too Much for Your Kids?
- 237. Are We Accidentally Raising Kids Who Are Afraid to Fail?
- 236. Why Doesn’t Reassurance Work for Anxiety and Big Feelings?
- 235. Are You Helping Kids Too Much—and Hurting Their Confidence?
- 234. Why Do Kids Lose Control of Their Emotions — And What Signals Do We Miss First?
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